His performance was neither graceful nor grand, but the typical no-holds-barred effort that fans have come to both boo and cheer.

While Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi held public sentiment in their swansong years, Hewitt seems to have emerged as the player people love to hate.

Hewitt, trying to become the first homegrown Australian Open champion since Mark Edmondson in 1976, takes to the court for his second-round match Wednesday night (ET) vs. countryman Todd Larkham.

Hewitt's snarls and snapping at those in his wake — be it linesmen, colleagues, fans and, occasionally, family — have worked against his public persona. His most recent tirade (and exhaustive appeal) of an ATP Tour fine levied for his refusal to complete a mandatory 5-minute television interview portrayed him more super brat than superstar.

Hewitt is different from legendary Australian predecessors John Newcombe, Rod Laver and Ken Rosewall, who prioritized sportsmanship. Hewitt is no Patrick Rafter, either, whose polished appeal and affable nature made him one of the most popular No. 1s. But Rafter's retirement created a drumroll Down Under for a new top player, like him or not.

While some find Hewitt offensive, others believe at 5-feet-10, 150 pounds, he relies on such raw edge and rage —Ã Â Â¬a Jimmy Connors — to upend the tour's Goliaths.

Hewitt also bucks any thought that the men's tour is saturated with boring, big-booming servers and half-hearted efforts. His multidimensional game is made through relentless practice.

Never complacent, he strengthened his serve last year and, for the first time, made the top 10 in aces.

While most stars enjoyed the holiday festivities, Hewitt and girlfriend Kim Clijsters, ranked No. 4 in the world, turned their offseason into a training camp.

His impressive record — five tour titles and over $4.6 million in prize money — topped tour lists in 2002. He made the record books again last week when he became the fourth man (after Sampras, Connors and Ivan Lendl) to hold No. 1 every week in one year.

Hewitt is not afraid to break from Australian traditions and create a new mold as No. 1. His devotion to Clijsters as a constant fixture at her side (and courtside during matches) seems more selfless than selfish.

His recent endorsement choices revealed a self-deprecating humor. While Newcombe or Rafter represented only the most sophisticated products, Hewitt is all over Australian airwaves endorsing toilet paper.

If Hewitt's handlers hope to soften his image off court, Hewitt shows no signs of letting down his guard at this major.

"One of the main reasons why I'm No. 1 in the world is because I train extremely hard and (have a) never-say-die attitude," Hewitt said. "I think if the younger Australians can sort of get that into them, if I can help in that way, being a role model in that way, that makes me feel extremely good."